Patriots to decide fate of Tim Tebow today

The Patriots have some tough decisions to make by 6 tonight when the NFL mandates they reduce their roster to 53 players. One of those, presumably, is whether to continue the Tim Tebow reclamation project.

Based on public performances this summer, the plan doesn't appear to have gone very well. But we've always believed the Patriots went into this figuring it would take at least 12 months to determine whether they could mold the former first-round pick into a viable second-string quarterback.

So, yes, Tebow makes the team. That was the easy part.

There are, however, some tough cuts looming as the Patriots still must shave 12 players off their roster after having released 10 Friday, including tight ends Jake Ballard and Daniel Fells and defensive end Marcus Benard.

Here's one projection on how it will all play out:

Quarterbacks (3)

Keepers: Tom Brady, Ryan Mallett, Tim Tebow.

The scoop: Pretty simple. Brady, who at age 36 remains a legitimate NFL MVP candidate, starts and plays every offensive snap unless the Patriots are involved in a blowout, in which case Mallett comes in and runs out the clock. Tebow strictly spends his Sundays on the sideline wearing a hat and holding a clipboard. There is one caveat to the plan. Should Brady get injured, Mallett steps in as his replacement with the very real possibility that Tebow spells in certain third-down and red-zone situations where the read-option offense could be advantageous.

The scoop: Ridley ranked seventh in the NFL with 1,263 rushing yards last season. He'll again get the bulk of the carries. Look for the Patriots to get creative with guaranteeing touches for Vereen, an excellent receiver and elusive runner who is dynamic in the open field. He's too talented to be limited to the role of third-down back. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has been looking for an actual fullback since he returned to New England last season, and he has finally found one in Develin, a Brown University alum. It comes down to Washington or LeGarrette Blount for the last spot. Washington gets the nod due to his versatility, making Blount potential trade bait.

Tight ends (3)

Keepers: Rob Gronkowski, Michael Hoomanawanui, Zach Sudfeld.

The scoop: Gronkowski isn't expected to be ready for the start of the season, but word is he's on course to return by the end of September. So the Patriots opt to use a roster spot on the All-Pro partier rather than place him on the physically unable to perform list, which would guarantee he'd miss the first six games. Sudfeld, an undrafted rookie, was one of the biggest surprises of the summer, displaying soft, sure hands and a superior grasp of the playbook. He's going to get a chance to contribute right away. Hoomanawanui provides versatility as an H-back. He never does anything to wow you. What he does do is his job in an efficient manner.

The scoop: These spots were sewn up three weeks ago. Amendola will start in the slot and has 100-catch potential — just like the guy he replaced, Wes Welker. Rookies Dobson (second round), Boyce (fourth) and Thompkins (undrafted) are going to be counted on heavily. That's asking a lot, but it is what it is. Edelman is an outstanding punt returner and provides insurance in case Amendola gets injured — again. Although he only has one catch in 75 career games, Slater is arguably the best special teams player in the league. Quentin Sims, an undrafted rookie from Tennessee-Martin, and Kamar Aiken, who was cut earlier in the week, are practice squad candidates.

The scoop: All five starters return in Solder (left tackle), Mankins (left guard), Wendell (center), Connolly (right guard) and Vollmer (right tackle). Cannon again will provide quality depth at guard, while newcomer Svitek, an eighth-year pro who filled in at guard this summer when Connolly and Cannon were injured, will resume his role as the top reserve tackle. McDonald, an undrafted rookie guard from Michigan State whose older brother Nick played for the Patriots last season, nabs the eighth and final spot. But don't be surprised if a veteran interior lineman is added via trade or free agency with McDonald landing on the practice squad.

The scoop: Wilfork and Kelly comprise a formidable tackle tandem. The ends are Jones, who we're projecting to record 12-15 sacks, and Ninkovich, whose versatility enables the defense to seamlessly shift between a 4-3 and 3-4. There's a huge drop-off after that, though. Bequette had a quiet summer after a silent rookie season but sticks due to his draft status (third round, 2012). The rookie Vellano joins sophomores Forston and Francis in the undrafted and untested club. Buchanan, a seventh-round pick in April, flashed pass-rush potential with 2.5 sacks in the exhibition finale. That paves the way for the departure of Jermaine Cunningham after three disappointing seasons.

The scoop: No surprises here. Hightower, Mayo and Spikes return as the starters. Mayo, named to the Pro Bowl two of the past three seasons, is one of the best 'backers in the league. Hightower has potential as a three-down player, while Spikes remains a force against the run and a deterrent against the pass. The veteran Fletcher, back after missing all last season with a knee injury, and the rookie Collins, the Patriots' first pick in April's draft, provide pass rush potential. Look for the ultra-athletic Collins to take on an expanded role as the season progresses. The rookie Beauharnais, drafted 235th overall, is a project at linebacker who provides immediate help on special teams.

The scoop: Talib, Arrington and Dennard are your top three cornerbacks, and the Patriots are keeping their fingers crossed Dennard doesn't land in jail after a probation hearing Sept. 6, two days before the season opener. Rookie Ryan had a strong summer and figures to be part of the dime package. The safety situation is muddled beyond McCourty. Gregory is the other starter, but is better suited to a reserve role. Adrian Wilson did nothing to earn a spot, but he sticks because the Patriots have so little talent at the position. Youngsters Tavon Wilson and Harmon are not ready for prime time. Cole can pitch in on defense when needed, giving him the edge over Nate Ebner, who is strictly a special teamer.

Specialists (3)

Keepers: Danny Aiken, Stephen Gostkowski, Zoltan Mesko.

The scoop: No changes for the third straight season. Gostkowski, despite a subpar preseason in which he went 3 for 6 on field goals — with the longest coming from 39 yards — is back for his eighth season as the kicker. His job was never really in danger, though. The same can't be said for Mesko, who withstood a strong challenge from rookie Ryan Allen to hold onto the punting job for a fourth season. This will be Aiken's third season as the long snapper. The fact that has gone unnoticed confirms he has performed satisfactorily.